Wachovia Regional Training Center

Punctuating a pattern FOR

Learning

24059.00 Wa c h o v i a R e g i o n a l T r a i n i n g Fa c i l i t y Birmingham, Alabama Interior Design Sustainable Practice 2 0 0 7 II D A B e st of Corpor at e i n t e r i or D e s i g n awa rd Alabama Chapter

Starting with the design of a threebuilding suburban office complex in Birmingham, Alabama, Wachovia Bank and GS&P have enjoyed a long and successful working relationship since the mid-1990s. So when the bank decided to relocate their regional training center, GS&P was again tapped to reinvent the facility by creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for employees.

Above The breakout area acts as a central place for trainees to break from learning.

Wachovia told the GS&P design team, headed

by Julie Roquemore, IIDA, exactly what they wanted. They envisioned an environment that stressed education as a fun experience and one where people would want to spend time. Existing furniture, equipment and A/V components had to be reused, but the center needed to be an aesthetic departure from their general office space. Most importantly, as the center intended to train employees at all levels of the company, they wanted the new training center to represent their commitment to training.

The design team started by reinventing the space.

Some ceiling areas and pipes were left exposed.

Curving walls were painted in a grid pattern with vivid colors. Punctuating the pattern, translucent windows were included among the squares.

Visitors walking in the corridors can catch a faint glimpse of what’s going on in the classrooms. The grid pattern becomes tackboards and whiteboards inside the classrooms.

There is a high energy level in the space, enhanced by the use of varied geometric shapes, patterns, colors and contrasts between finished walls, bright blue soffits and exposed structural elements.

Fifteen classrooms, a self-guided training room, numerous breakout areas and several informal zones where employees can check email, make phone calls and relax between classes complete the space.

GS&P was awarded the Alabama IIDA Chapter’s 2007 Best of Corporate Interior Design Award, but the real winners are the Wachovia employees.

Sharon Tucker, Wachovia’s Corporate Real Estate Portfolio Manager reflected, “This project was very successful, especially when you look at the timeline, complexity of the technology and relocation process. I take a lot of pride in [it]… and still like showing it off.”

Tiese Stroup, site coordinator of the learning center, quoted some of the trainers: “This training center is so different from others, and we love training here.” “The technology is great.” “…

Ranks up there with the corporate training center in Charlotte.”

Stroup herself declared the facility, “Awesome.”

Above The vertical curve reflects other forms used in the building both in elevation and plan form. It also sets the tone for architectural forms within the training center. Right The design won a 2007 IIDA Best of Corporate Interior Design award, Alabama Chapter.

Above Inside the training rooms, the grid introduced in the seating area becomes a series of functional tackboards and whiteboards.

Right The custom reception desk contrasts with the plan’s curving elements while incorporating the color scheme.

Gresham, Smith and Partners provides design and consulting solutions for the built environment that contribute to the success of national and international clients. For more than 40 years, GS&P has focused on enhancing quality of life and sustainability within communities. GS&P consists of industry-leading professionals practicing architecture and engineering design as well as scientists and highly specialized planning and strategic consultants in Environmental Compliance, Aviation, Corporate and Urban Design, Healthcare, Industrial, Land Planning, Transportation and Water Services. GS&P consistently ranks among the top architecture and engineering firms in the United States. For more information regarding GS&P, visit www.gspnet.com.

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